William Johnson (1893-1966)

William Johnson was born on 10 November 1893. He was the son of F. W. Johnson who owned a coach works in Ipswich.

In 1920, William Johnson married Ruby Horsnell at 'Rosemere', North Ipswich.

Enlisting in the army at the age of 21 years and 6 months old, Johnson’s occupation was listed as Coachbuilder. His physical description at enlistment states that he was 5 feet, 61/2 inches tall, weighed 140 pounds, had a medium complexion, brown hair and brown eyes, a scar on his right eyebrow and that he was a member of the Congregational Church. He was unmarried and living with his father, Frederick William Johnson at Chermside Road, Ipswich.

After serving at Gallipoli, Johnson was sent to the Western Front. On the 22 September 1917 he was wounded in action, by a shell that damaged his arm, shoulder and chest. He was discharged as permanently unfit for war.

William and his brother, E. B. Johnson took over ownership of their father’s coach works business in 1920 and the firm began dealing in motor cars. F.W. Johnson & Sons City Motors Works was located at the top end of Brisbane Street, Ipswich, c.1920s. They purchased the Old Flour Mill, in Brisbane Street West, in 1926 to use as a garage and motor car showroom.

Johnson was the founder and managing director of 4IP radio station. 4IP radio station opened 2 September 1935. Johnson would form this company after other failed attempts to be granted licence.

The 4IP Smiles Club was officially launched by the Hon. F. A. Cooper, Minister for Public Instruction. 14 September 1937. William Johnson started a weekly broadcast for young talent, the 4IP Smiles Club. It’s ‘Studio Presentation’, Saturday program featured young and adult local artists. Johnson took the alter ego ‘Uncle Bill’: it was the character behind the very successful Smiles Club.